John Hunt Popular Books
John Hunt Biography & Facts
Henry Cecil John Hunt, Baron Hunt, (22 June 1910 – 7 November 1998) was a British Army officer who is best known as the leader of the successful 1953 British expedition to Mount Everest. Early life and military career Hunt was born in Simla, British India on 22 June 1910, the son of Captain Cecil Edwin Hunt of the Indian Army, and a great-great-nephew of the explorer Sir Richard Burton. His father was killed in action during the First World War. Hunt, from the age of 10, spent much holiday time in the Alps, learning some of the mountaineering skills he would later hone while taking part in several expeditions in the Himalayas while serving in India. He made a guided ascent of Piz Palu at 14. He was educated at Marlborough College before entering the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he was awarded the King's Gold Medal and the Anson Memorial Sword. After Sandhurst, Hunt was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) on 30 January 1930. Among his fellow graduates were Charles Harington and Alan Brown. In 1931, the regiment was posted to India. He was promoted lieutenant in 1933. Despite his background he seems not to have been entirely comfortable with the prevailing social climate of the Raj. He preferred rugby to polo, and having already gained fluency in German and French he added Urdu and some Bengali. In 1934 he became a Military Intelligence officer in the Indian Army, with the local rank of captain, and was seconded to the Indian Police. At this time the Indian independence movement was gaining ground, and Bengal was particularly affected. Hunt even worked undercover, gathering intelligence in Chittagong while dressed in local clothing. He returned to his regiment in 1935, having been awarded the Indian Police Medal. Throughout this period Hunt continued to climb in the Himalayas. In 1935, with James Waller's group, he attempted Saltoro Kangri, reaching 24,500 feet (7,470 m). This exploit led to his election to the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society. He applied to join the 1936 Everest Expedition, but was turned down when an RAF medical discovered a minor heart problem. He married Joy Mowbray-Green on 3 September 1936, and she also took part (along with Reggie Cooke), in Hunt's 1937 Himalayan trip which included reconnaissance of Kangchenjunga, the south-western summit of Nepal Peak, and only the third ascent of the Zemu Gap, between Kangchenjunga and Simvo. Here they saw tracks that one of the party's Sherpas told them were those of the Yeti. In 1938 he returned for a further period of secondment in Military Intelligence, being promoted substantive captain. Second World War Upon returning to the United Kingdom in 1940, Hunt became chief instructor at the Commando Mountain and Snow Warfare School, Braemar. He returned to regimental duty in 1943 as a war substantive major and acting lieutenant colonel, Commanding Officer (CO) of the 11th Battalion of the KRRC. Forming the motorised infantry element of the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Hunt led the battalion in the Italian Campaign. In 1944, Hunt received an immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership in bitter fighting on the River Sangro, in addition to his battalion, he commanded attached troops from other arms, and the recommendation for his DSO states that he was constantly in the forefront of the fighting, organising raids and ambushes to keep the enemy forces on the back foot, and himself leading reconnaissance patrols deep behind enemy lines. In October 1944, his battalion was transferred to Greece, just as the tensions that would lead to the Greek Civil War were becoming evident. In Greece, Hunt was appointed temporary brigadier and given command of the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade, part of the 4th Indian Infantry Division, at Patras. He described attempting to keep the peace between the various factions as "the most tense and difficult period in all my experience, before or since". For his efforts there Hunt was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in June 1945. In contrast to Italy, he was ordered not to take the initiative and had to cope with large hostile forces threatening him, and infiltration by armed civilians as well as increasing numbers of insults to his troops. Hunt kept the situation calm, and when finally allowed to act, and reinforced he planned and executed a successful operation. He then attended the Staff College, Camberley in 1946, followed by various staff appointments in the Middle East and Europe. He was granted the substantive rank of major in 1946, becoming substantive colonel in 1952. Mount Everest Hunt was employed on the staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) when he received the surprise invitation to lead the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition. It had been expected that Eric Shipton would lead the expedition, as he had led the (unsuccessful) British attempt on Cho Oyu the previous year from which the majority of the climbers were drawn. However, the Joint Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club and Royal Geographical Society that oversaw British attempts on Everest decided that Hunt's military leadership experience and undoubted climbing credentials would provide the best hope for success. It was felt to be critical that this expedition should be successful as the French had permission to mount an expedition in 1954 and the Swiss in 1955, meaning that the British would not have another opportunity until 1956 at the earliest. Many members of the expedition felt a strong loyalty to Shipton, and were unhappy with his replacement. Edmund Hillary was one of those most opposed to the change, but was soon won round by Hunt's personality and frank admission that the change had been badly handled. Hunt planned for three assaults of two climbers each including "a third and last attempt" if necessary, although after two consecutive assaults a wait would be necessary to "recover our strength" and to replenish the camps. Base Camp was established on 12 April 1953. The next few days were taken up with establishing a route through the Khumbu Icefall, and once opened, teams of Sherpas moved tons of supplies up the mountain. A succession of advanced camps were created, slowly forging higher up the mountain. By 21 May, Wilfrid Noyce and Annullu had reached the psychological milestone of the South Col. Hunt had selected two climbing pairs to attempt the summit. The first pair (Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans) set out on 26 May but were forced to turn back after becoming exhausted high on the mountain. On the same day, Hunt himself climbed to 8,350 metres (27,395 ft) with Da Namgyal Sherpa to leave a cache of equipment on the Southeast Ridge for the second summit party. On 28 May, the expedition made its second assault on the summit with the second climbing pair. The summit was eventually reached at 11:30 am on 29 May 1953 by the New Zealander Edmund Hillar.... Discover the John Hunt popular books. Find the top 100 most popular John Hunt books.
Best Seller John Hunt Books of 2024
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Hell Hath No Fury
Charles G. WestIn this actionpacked, Spur Award–winning western series opener, an army scout must find two lost newlyweds in a land where he’s as good as dead. To start their new life together, J...
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The Payback
Simon KernickA gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Kernick, the UK's answer to Harlan Coben."Pace, pace pace is what Kernick...
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The Third Bullet
Stephen HunterFormer marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger investigates one of the most enduring controversies of our timethe JFK assassinationin this New York Times bestselling “terrific thriller” (Boo...
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Leaving Berlin
Joseph KanonNew York Times Notable Book Named one of NPR and Wall Street Journal's Best Books of the Year The acclaimed author of The Good German “deftly captures the ambience” (The New York...
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FaceOff
David Baldacci & Lee ChildAn instant New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller and “a thriller reader’s ultimate fantasy” (Booklist), this oneofakind anthology pulls together the most beloved characters from ...
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The Last Castle
Denise KiernanA New York Times bestseller with an "engaging narrative and array of detail” (The Wall Street Journal), the “intimate and sweeping” (Raleigh News & Observer) untold, true story...
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Rest in Pieces
Bess LovejoyA “marvelously macabre” (Kirkus Reviews) history of the bizarre afterlives of corpses of the celebrated and notorious dead.For some of the most influential figures in history, deat...
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Influenza
Jeremy Brown“Highlights that influenza is still a real and present threat and demonstrates the power and limitations of modern medicine.” The Wall Street Journal“A surprisingly compelling and ...
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The Millionaire and the Bard
Andrea MaysThe miraculous and romantic story of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and of the American industrialist whose thrilling pursuit of the book became a lifelong obsession: “Mays’s narrative...
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To the Uttermost Ends of the Earth
Phil Keith & Tom ClavinThe enthralling story of the greatest Civil War battle at sea by the awardwinning and bestselling historians Phil Keith and Tom Clavin.On June 19, 1864, just off the coast of Franc...
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The Politician
Andrew Young"The greatest political saga, the one that has it all, that gets to the real heart of American politics, is the John Edwards story... This isn't just politics, it's literature. It'...
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Keeping Her Keys
Cyndi BrannenBlending Hekate, witchcraft and personal development together to create a powerful new magickal perspective.
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The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics
David G. DoddCelebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the most popular and enduring band ever: “Even the most hardcore Deadheads will be impressed by this obsessively complete look at the Grateful...
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Sacrifice
Will JordanLet bestselling author Will Jordan take you on a breakneck speed ride with CIA agent Ryan Drake in this compelling and unmissable thriller. Fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn and David...
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The First Lie
A. J. ParkThe most gripping psychological thriller you'll read this year perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards, Claire McGowan, TM Logan and KL Slater...'This is a real page turner....
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The Bullet Stops Here
William W. Johnstone & J.A. JohnstoneA killcrazy butcher is loose in the Arizona territory and only one man is bold enough to end the mayhem . . . Johnstone Country. The Killing Starts Now.Luke Jensen joins a posse of...
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Silent Hunt
John Lescroart & T. Jefferson ParkerIn this short story from the thrilling anthology FaceOff, John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker team up for the first time ever, along with their charactersWyatt Hunt, hero of thr...
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Betrayal
Will JordanIf you are looking for an adrenalinfuelled, bloodpumping, breakneck speed thriller then look no further than Will Jordan's third novel featuring British CIA agent Ryan Drake. Compe...
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Rigged
Mollie HemingwayFROM THE AUTHOR OF THE #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER JUSTICE ON TRIALStunned by the turbulence of the 2020 election, millions of Americans are asking the forbidden question: what really h...
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Over Your Dead Body
Dan WellsNew York Times bestselling author Dan Wells continues his popular John Wayne Cleaver series in Over Your Dead Body.John and Brooke are on their own, hitchhiking from town to town a...
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The Brilliant Disaster
Jim RasenbergerA “balanced, engrossing account” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) of the Bay of Pigs crisis drawing on longhidden CIA documents and delivering the vivid truth of five pivotal days ...
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Against the Web
Michael BrooksMichael Brooks takes on the new "Intellectual Dark Web." As the host of The Michael Brooks Show and cohost of the Majority Report, he lets his understanding of the new media enviro...
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Silver
Andrew MotionThis ebook includes a copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island!A riproaring sequel to Treasure IslandRobert Louis Stevenson’s beloved classicabout two young friends and the...
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Redemption
Will JordanIntroducing Ryan Drake think Jason Bourne meets Jack Reacher...If you like Lee Child, Vince Flynn and David Baldacci, you will love this riveting and unputdownable thriller from b...
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The Mueller Report
Robert S. Mueller, Special Counsel's Office U.S. Department of Justice & Alan DershowitzNOW A NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, AND PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER. There has never been a more important political investigation tha...
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Gonzo Girl
Cheryl Della PietraThe road to hell is paved with good intentions…and tequila, guns, and cocaine in this “rambunctiously entertaining” (Teddy Wayne) debut novel inspired by the author’s time as Hunte...
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I Am Not A Serial Killer
Dan WellsJohn Wayne Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it.He's spent his life doing his best not to live up to his potential.He's obsessed with serial killers, but really doesn't want to be...
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The Hunt for History
Nathan RaabNathan Raab, America’s preeminent rare documents dealer, delivers a “diverting account of treasure hunting in the fast lane” (The Wall Street Journal) that recounts his years as th...
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Like Mother, Like Daughter
Elle Croft'Utterly absorbing and thoughtprovoking' Caz Frear'What a premise, and packed with suspense' Victoria Selman'A dark, delicious triumph' Niki MackayIf what they said was true, then ...
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The Final Minute
Simon KernickSimon Kernick, the UK's answer to Harlan Coben, has written a thriller jampacked withaction, tension and twists and turns. A heartstopping read from page one, this is perfect for f...
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The Knife Man
Wendy MooreThe vivid, often gruesome portrait of the 18thcentury pioneering surgeon and father of modern medicine, John Hunter.When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his gothic horror story of Dr....
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Follow the Money
Dan BonginoAs seen on The Ben Shapiro Show!Follow the Money exposes the labyrinth of connections between D.C.’s slimiest swamp creaturesDemocrat operatives, lying informants, desperate a...
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The Good Assassin
Paul Vidich“The Good Assassin opens up Hemingway’s Cuba. Possessing Alan Furst’s attention for period detail and the deft character touches of John Le Carré, Vidich has quickly carved out a p...
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An Honorable Man
Paul VidichFor fans of Alan Furst and John le Carré comes An Honorable Man, a chilling Cold War spy thriller set in postwar Washington, DC that Kirkus Reviews called, “noir to the bone.”Washi...
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The Kill Jar
J. Reuben AppelmanNow the subject of the Discovery+ series Children of the Snow, a cold case murder investigation is cracked open by “a powerful, confident voice in the new true crime memoir genre” ...
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Shadow of a Dead Man
William W. Johnstone & J.A. JohnstoneThe top dogs of bestselling western action thrillers hit the bullseye once again in the latest in a new series in which a disgraced lawman's quest for vengeance becomes a legendary...
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G-Man
Stephen Hunter“A roaring good read.”FORBES.com Master sniper Bob Lee Swagger returns in this riveting novel by bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Hunter.The Great Depression wa...
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John Hunt
Brian O'ConnellThe book tells for the first time the remarkable life story of John Hunt, one of the world's greatest medievalists and someone whose legacy to Ireland lives on today with most of t...
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The Power of Positive Idiocy
David FehertyDavid Feherty, expro golfer and current commentator at NBC Sports and the Golf Channel, delivers a laughoutloud funny and totally uncensored collection of rants sure to surprise an...
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Virgin Earth
Philippa GregoryIn this enthralling, freestanding sequel to Earthly Joys, New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory combines a wealth of gardening knowledge with a haunting love story tha...
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The Tudor Brandons
Sarah-Beth WatkinsThis fascinating book studies the life and times of Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, Henry VIII's dearest sister and his closest companion. Charles rose from being Henry's c...
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Ghosts of My Life
Marc FisherThis collection of writings by Mark Fisher, author of the acclaimed Capitalist Realism, argues that we are haunted by futures that failed to happen. Fisher searches for the traces ...
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The General and the Jaguar
Eileen WelsomePulitzer Prize winner Welsome's gripping, panoramic story reveals a vicious surprise attack on the United States and America's hunt for the perpetrator, Pancho Villa.